Ontario's environmental watchdog warns endangered species at risk because of changes made by minority Liberal government

The province's changes to regulations have essentially left developers on their own to follow species protection rules, which threatens species including the grey fox, environmental commissioner Gord Miller warns

Endangered species such as the grey fox and dwarf iris are at greater risk because of changes Premier Kathleen Wynne’s government made behind closed doors, Ontario’s environmental commissioner warned Wednesday.

By revising regulations to grant “broad exemptions” on requirements for land development permits last July, the province “undermined” its widely hailed Endangered Species Act passed in 2007, Gord Miller said in a new report.

The change essentially leaves developers — such as forestry companies and quarry operators — on their own to follow species protection rules and prepare plans to mitigate any dangers to them, with the Ministry of Natural Resources in the dark about their efforts, Miller insisted.

That opens the door to abuse and ends what had been a “level playing field” because some companies will be tempted to cut corners, he told a news conference.

“It’s a race to the bottom of standards.”

The new practice also no longer requires the permits and mitigation plans to be posted online on the Environmental Bill of Rights registry for public scrutiny, Miller said.

“It flies in the face” of Premier Kathleen Wynne’s new push for more openness and transparency, the commissioner added. “It’s certainly not open government . . . the public won’t even know what’s being done.”

Natural Resources Minister David Orazietti denied there are “broad exemptions” and said relief on permits is for “very low risk actions” such as extending activities like dredging approved in previous permits.

Bigger projects, such as expanding a highway to four lanes from two and developing most types of new mines would continue to require full permits, while early mineral exploration would not, officials said.

Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said the government “gutted” endangered species laws. He said Orazietti should charge industries user fees on a cost-recovery basis to resume a full process of permits.

A number of scientists and environmental groups have previously raised concerns about the changes, with the Wildlands League hoping to take the government to court.

“The Liberals have taken a brown turn,” said the organization’s spokeswoman Anna Baggio.

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